Women with endometriosis face a higher risk of early menopause, according to a new study from the University of Queensland (UQ).
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects more than one million Australians.
UQ researchers analysed data from nearly 300,000 women globally.
They found those with endometriosis were seven times more likely to enter menopause early than those without.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body.
It can cause debilitating pain in the pelvic region, and can be associated with infertility.
The condition is primarily diagnosed through surgical intervention.
Research
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The study analysed data from nearly 280,000 women across four countries between 1996 and 2022, to investigate the link between endometriosis and menopause timing.
It found women with endometriosis were more likely to experience early menopause (before the age of 40) or premature menopause (aged 40 to 45) than women without the condition.
Overall, women with endometriosis started natural menopause five months earlier than their counterparts.
Women with endometriosis were seven times more likely than others to undergo surgical menopause (the removal of both ovaries).
Among all women who had undergone surgical menopause, those with endometriosis had the procedure 19 months earlier than those without.
These women were also twice as likely as those without endometriosis to undergo surgical menopause before the age of 40.
Comments
UQ senior researcher Professor Gita Mishra warned that early and surgical menopause has been linked to heart disease and premature death.
“Preventing or managing early or medically induced menopause requires a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes and proactive measures to address the long-term health risks associated with it,” Professor Mishra said.
